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You Guide Me

by Rev. Deb Frantz, O.M.C.

There’s an enchanting song by Scott Kalechstein called, “You Guide Me.” The lyrics are, “You guide me wherever I go, step by step Lord you’re leading me home. Like a stream in the desert, like a path through the snow. Wherever I am in this world, you’re guiding me home.”

These do not have to be merely words. If you could mean these words as you say or sing them, they do mean the Real World to you. Just as in ACIM where it speaks of wanting the peace of God. “I want the peace of God. To say these words is nothing. But to mean these words is everything. If you could but mean them for just an instant, there would be no further sorrow possible for you in any form; in any place or time. Heaven would be completely given back to full awareness, memory of God entirely restored, the resurrection of all creation fully recognized. W-185.1:1-4

Recently, I had some profound experiences in understanding what receiving Holy Spirit’s guidance is all about. It initiated with the guidance for beginning an Internet radio station for ACIM students. But that was not all. The information flowed quickly and freely and I set up all that I was inspired to do. At the end I was surprised at how quickly it all pulled together in such a short period of time. Here, I was able to trust the Holy Spirit in creating a touchstone for us all. That total acceptance of His Loving Guidance precipitated the opening of the door to trusting Him for much more than I had anticipated.

As the dust settled, I found myself on a deep journey into self-discovery. He called to me and dare I answer? I dared. I spent two weeks in a real un-doing process as every idol, every illusion came crumbling down before me. Those weeks were spent barely sleeping and rarely eating. It was a purging of sorts as the hot tears flowed down my face time and time again. Holy Spirit assured me that He was right there with me, helping me to uncover every dark thought, every painful hurt and that we would together bring it to the Light. It was safe to do so at this time.

As each thought was brought to the Light, I shuddered but felt immensely at peace as I turned it over. I had seen my life these last several years. All the illusions that I believed in came to the surface and the delusions that I allowed myself to be under; the lies that I told myself. It was time now for honesty and truth. “What if it could hurt others?” I protested. Holy Spirit reassured me. I had to move on. I knew and still know that I cannot go backwards. Forward on this healing path is the only way to go.

I had to let go of an outcome that I had held much belief in and it was not the outcome of peace. It was a form that I had based my happiness on. Once I was able to see all of this through the eyes of God, I was ready to let go and allow myself to experience true happiness. Through this I had to make a major life decision. It was difficult, but I knew it was where I was led on this healing path. I had to release my husband. We have been separated for three years, and still hoping and praying that all would be restored. I found that all that we were trying to restore was a golden idol — an illusion built upon illusions.

After I had experienced this awakening from Spirit, I was afraid to share this thought with my husband. The thoughts of what his family and others would think would pull at me. And as I continued to ask for confirmation from Spirit, it was given to me that we both would go further in our healing apart than together.

It has been a month now, and it continues to prove that this is correct. I saw many unhealed thoughts from our years together that I had buried beneath the surface. I no longer have to use the transgressions, betrayals and hurts as unconscious weapons, emotional daggers ready to hold at him at whim. I can now bring it all to the surface to look at it, and when I am ready with the His Guidance, I will be able to release them all to the wind. I am still working on that process and when the timing is right for me, all will be forgiven. I know that it has to be in my time, and when I am willing and ready to surrender them to God.

So as I face the path before me, I see the stream of Life in the desert, I see His leading through the snow. All along the way He holds my hand. The strong trust that I feel in the Holy Spirit has inspired me more as a Teacher of God. It is strengthening all that I do and I will become a better minister and person. I have received the gift of clarity and insight like never before. And because I came to Him for the only advice that I could ever need, I can now be loving to myself. I can surround myself with love and loving thoughts. I am completely and wholly worthy and deserving of all that God has to offer me. I am His Son in Whom He is well pleased. I accept this all within my being now.

It is no coincidence that this has all come about in correlation with the opening of our own rental space finally for the Miracles Center here in Pittsburgh in November. I am led by the most Divine in all that I do, and I choose that leading rather than my own. What more could I possibly want?

No matter where I am, and what I am doing or feeling, the Divine is with me. I honor that within me and within us all.

Deb Frantz is a Pathways of Light minister living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

© 2004, Pathways of Light. https://www.pathwaysoflight.org
You may freely share copies of this with your friends, provided this notice and website address are included.

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Sitting at the Feet of the Master

by Rev. Christine Anderson, O.M.C.

On December 20, 2003 I became certified in Reiki-reflex and Reiki-ssage. One of the requirements for certification was to give 100 hours of documented sessions. To my delight, many of my friends and relatives supported my venture and many “put their feet in my hands.”

I learned so much through the practicing and I loved receiving the helpful feedback from everyone.

The pile of documentation forms was growing steadily. However, I looked at the calendar and realized that to meet the deadline, I needed to come up with some way to do several sessions daily. I got quiet and asked Spirit for guidance in this matter. Guidance came in the form of an idea: “Call and offer the sessions to the local hospitals.” Again to my delight, within a few days I received a call from the director of the pastoral care department at one of the hospitals. She was very receptive to my offer and invited me to come and give sessions for a week in a lovely little healing room located right in that department.

All who came for a session were very willing to share about their experience. They gave me wonderful documented feedback and helpful suggestions.

And yet again was I delighted! On my last day, I was scheduled to practice with four nuns at the convent adjacent to the hospital. These “angels” were all around 90 years of age. I say angels because it seemed as if there was a light around them like we see on the TV program, “Touched by an Angel.”

I could see so clearly their childlike innocence. I was amazed at their stories of traveling the world to do one thing: Serve God and Jesus.

As I sat at their feet, I could feel so much Love, the Love of their own Christ Spirit pouring through them. Here I thought I came to give and I was given so much.

Each of the Sisters expressed their heartfelt appreciation. I told them that they were the ones who were giving me the gift by allowing me to practice and giving me the privilege of sitting at their feet whilst their wisdom and love came pouring through them to me!

Oh Lord, let me remember those who are resting upon their completion of a task well done. They have paved the way for me and have even met me on the homeward path. They do me honor by receiving my Love… I feel theirs coming back to me… It is the same Love… We are bathing in the same light… I feel the complete circle of giving and receiving.

With hearts and minds full of love and wisdom, they know there is always more to come in the way of serving… Only a short pause to rest and to reflect… to touch the gathered wisdom like a beautiful bouquet… tossing it to the winds to be scattered like seeds… falling upon fertile soil… to grow again… to rise up to the sun!

May I always be in sincere appreciation of their great strides to awaken in their own perfect way.

My heart sings a song of joy, a song that holds the perfect rhythm of all of the steps they have taken to open to Love… to serve… to pave the way for me… And still they are willing to learn and receive… for in their wisdom, they know that giving is receiving.

Rev. Christine Anderson is a Pathways of Light minister who lives in Chicago, Illinois.

© 2004, Pathways of Light. https://www.pathwaysoflight.org
You may freely share copies of this with your friends, provided this notice and website address are included.

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Rouge

by Rev. Georgeann Medvid, O.M.C.

My Irish grandmother told me about my guardian angel when I was seven. She told me that Red, my angel, had been with me since before birth and was here to protect, guide, play and pray with me for the rest of my life.

I asked her why my angel’s name was Red and she simply said her name had always been Red. I didn’t think Red was a very fancy name for an angel but accepted my wise grandmother’s knowledge. I had sensed one spirit with me for a long time but had never had a name for that guide.

Red is a faithful companion. She has been with me during good times and bad times. She was there when my Irish grandmother died and helped escort her to Heaven. My grandmother died when I was 13 and when my mother called and told me, I walked to Gram’s house. Upon arriving, my mother told me that she heard a choir of angels singing at the moment of Gram’s crossing and she knew that they had escorted Gram into Heaven.

In 1985 I went to St. Francis Cemetery in Petosky where my Irish grandmother, who gave me Red, is buried along with my grandfather and many other relatives and family friends. As I was visiting each grave, I noticed something I had never observed before. It was a gravestone that had the name Autumn Rouge on it. It was a two year old child’s grave. The date of birth was October, 1910 and the date of death was December, 1912.

Since autumn is associated with red and orange and rouge means red powder, I was curious. Two graves beside her were marked Rexfield and Anna Rouge, and the date of death was August, 1912 on both of them.

When I returned home, I went to see my old Aunt Emma and asked her if she knew of a two year old child named Autumn Rouge and her parents buried in the same section of cemetery as many of our relatives.

She told me that Autumn was a two year old orphan with the nickname Red that died from whooping cough shortly after her parents, very dear friends of my grandparents, were killed in a horse and wagon accident.

I told Aunt Emma the story of my angel called Red. She chuckled and said that Gram had very special insight and had given each grandchild their own special angel. For example, cousin Bob’s angel’s name was Stony, a nickname for our Great-Grandfather, who was a stone mason.

My Irish grandmother was a treasure. I have always been thankful for her and her unique gift of insight. Every morning since 1985 I awake knowing that not only Autumn Rouge but Rexfield and Anna are with me too.

Course 202: The Mystical Power of Rituals, explains the great love Gram expressed to me by giving me Red.

Rev. Georgeann Medved is a Pathways of Light minister living in Columbiaville, Michigan.

© 2004, Pathways of Light. https://www.pathwaysoflight.org
You may freely share copies of this with your friends, provided this notice and website address are included.

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Remembering I Am the Light

by Rev. Linda Ricker, O.M.C.

A Course in Miracles first came to my attention in 1998. I began studying the Text in 1999. I journeyed to Roscoe, New York for an academy class with Ken and Gloria Wapnick in April 1999 and again in August of 1999.

I began a small group study of the Text of the Course in September 1999 at Covenant Community Church, where I serve as an Associate Pastor. In 2001 I completed all the Workbook lessons of the Course for the first time. In September 2002 I journeyed to Ferdinand, Indiana for a week-long silent retreat sponsored by the Roman Catholic “Sisters of St. Benedict.” My goal for the week retreat was to immerse myself in the Text of ACIM. I also conscientiously practiced a few of the Workbook lessons to see if this would be my chosen spiritual path.

Several events occurred during that week which convinced me that my mind is a cause and what I perceive is an effect of my thoughts. This is a major shift from how my previous perceptions convinced me to think. I decided to go with Jesus and the Holy Spirit in the use of ACIM as my spiritual path.

Ken and Gloria’s retreat site in upstate New York offered a quiet, secluded spot with other Course students where I could devote myself single-mindedly to understanding “what” Jesus was teaching his students through ACIM. When the Wapnicks moved to Temecula, California I was disappointed that a retreat site would not be a part of their continued work.

In January 2002 I used a search engine and keyed in “A Course in Miracles Retreat site.” Pathways of Light web site was one of the top to appear. I called immediately and talked with Robert Stoelting, who helped me arrange to attend a weekend Course at the Pathways of Light Campus in Kiel, Wisconsin scheduled for March 2003. I did attend the March class. The course was 901: Introduction to Miracles Practice. It helped me advance in learning to “let go” of my perceptions and have them replaced with God’s loving outlook. However, later in January, before the March campus class date arrived, I became convinced that I wanted to take all of the Spiritual College courses with a facilitator, and be able to facilitate Pathways Courses here in Indianapolis.

I began the facilitated correspondence courses in February, 2003 taking a one-year sabbatical from my work responsibilities as a Christian Minister in order to complete each required course in time to attend the on campus training and ordination in October 2003.

The ordination itself was not my goal because I had been ordained in 1990 by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and currently hold ordination status with the International Council of Community Churches enabling me to practice ministry. What was vital to me was “joining” with others on a spiritual path so different from the ordinary that I believed I needed the presence of others who would understand my difficulties and my happiness. That joining was more than met during the on campus training.

At the ordination service each of the eight new ministers were asked to give a brief summary of why they wanted to be a Pathways of Light Ordained Ministerial Counselor and what it meant to them. When I considered why, one of Dolly Parton’s songs, “I believe in Santa Clause” came to my mind. Dolly sings this line, “I believe I am and therefore I should do all that I can to be a better piece in the puzzle of God’s plan.” I am bursting with joy that I have found a way to actually be a better piece and that is through following the teachings found in A Course in Miracles study and supported by Pathways of Light Spiritual College courses.

When I think of what it has meant to me to take the on-campus training, two pictures come to my mind. The first is of a little girl around seven years of age. The second picture is a scene from the movie, “Bridges of Madison County,” starring Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood.

In the first picture in my mind, the little girl is around seven, halfway through the 20th century. She doesn’t know anything about computers, cell phones, color television, or remote controls. She does understand the value of an incandescent light bulb. She lives four miles East of Marion, Ohio with her family.

Every Sunday her dad would drive her into town to attend Trinity Baptist Church Sunday school. While she attended Sunday school from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., her dad would drive on to his watch and clock repair shop located in town. The girl’s dad said the watches he had repaired would suffer if not wound. I came to believe the little girl was me.

So each Sunday, after leaving the church, I would walk heading North across Center Street and on to my dad’s shop. When I got to the big brick building housing my father’s shop, I needed to turn west and go up a steep flight of 16 steps of wooden stairs, appearing very dark behind the Sunday sun to a landing. It was a scary journey up until I quickly turned to my right and opened the door into my dad’s sunlit reception area. There was an incandescent light bulb hanging from the ceiling above the landing. Once I let my father know that it was frightening to climb the steps in the dark, he would turn the light on for me because he knew I was arriving. I once thought I was the little girl. Pathways of Light classes have reminded me and encouraged me to remember that I am the Light.

The second picture that comes to my mind when I think about what the on campus training has meant to me is a scene from “The Bridges of Madison County,” where Meryl Streep is questioning Clint Eastwood in the kitchen of her Iowa farm home.

Meryl’s husband, Richard, has taken their two teenage children to the Iowa State Fair for a week and Meryl is left to tend the family farm.

Clint is a famous National Geographic photographer and world traveler who is shooting pictures of the bridges in Madison County, Iowa. They meet. Meryl is from Italy and has found the farm life to be tedious.

She is taken by his knowledge of her own home town in Italy, his attention to her every desire and, before he parts, she is fearful that these days which are life transforming for her are merely another “nothing” among his conquests. So she is angry and he says, “Now you just stop that. If I have done anything to lead you to believe that what we have together is an ordinary experience, I am deeply sorry. For it seems to me, when I think about these past few days and everything I have ever done in my life, the places I have been, and things I have seen and done, it seems to me that all of it was simply to make my way to be here with you.”

I feel somewhat like the character Eastwood played in regard to the spiritual experiences I shared with the seven other newly ordained ministers and our two co-facilitators.

I thank Robert and Mary for their vision in founding Pathways of Light and all those who participated in any way during our eight day stay in October. I love you all.

Rev. Linda Ricker is a Pathways of Light minister living in Indianapolis, Indiana.

© 2004, Pathways of Light. https://www.pathwaysoflight.org
You may freely share copies of this with your friends, provided this notice and website address are included.

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